Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) welcomed the promise by the NSW Liberal National Coalition, the Hon. Paul Toole, Deputy Premier and Bronnie Taylor, Minister for Regional Health, to continue with a dedicated Minister for Regional Health should they win the next election, but expressed disappointment that NSW Labor would scrap the Ministry should they win Government on 25 March 2023.
A 2022 parliamentary inquiry into rural, regional and remote healthcare highlights that health outcomes for people of the bush are disadvantaged and health services “inferior” to those living in city areas and as such, the need for a dedicated ministry is justified and should have bi-partisan support.
At a February meeting organised by the Country Mayors Association to quiz political parties’ pre-election policies, Jenny Aitchison Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, when asked, said that the NSW ALP supports one strong Health Ministry, which will see the demise of the now Minister for Regional Health. More disappointing is that a Labor Shadow Minister for Regional NSW in Jenny Aitchison struggles to effectively advocate to her fellow ALP members well documented and ongoing Rural and Regional health disadvantages.
RAMJO calls on the Federal Government to implement a differential Medicare rebate for GP’s working in Rural, Regional and Remote areas where it would see a higher Medicare rebate for those GPs. GPs nationally are reducing in numbers with the bush feeling the pressure in ways that differ from those living in city areas. A higher Medicare rebate is one of many solutions which should be considered to turn this exodus.
To read more about RAMJO’s focus on Rural and Regional Health visit www.ramjo.nsw.gov.au/health-services/